Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Buy ANYTHING BUT honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By hondaBITES - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have TOO MANY issues with this car to list them all. Basically its an overpriced, over hyped piece of cheap trash. Gas mileage varies seasonally, lowbeam headlights are worthless at night, paint chips when hit with an egg, interior fabric on armrests was worn thread-bare at 10,000 miles, wiper blades were replaced at less than 5,000 miles, brakes as well, 150 horses and MOST dead, dealers attitude BITES as well. American Honda Finance has NO email address. NEVER AGAIN!

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  Honda EX Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By COL - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first venture into the Honda products and I made a good choice. I really enjoy the performance of this vehicle and the ride is great. I probably dont have enough miles yet (1600) to evaluate the economy. My two biggest disappointments are (1) The adjustable/telescopic steering wheel doesnt leave enough room to get ones legs through---and I am only 59"; and (2) I am disappointed that the door locks do not automatically lock when engaging the transmission and unlock when shifting to Park. Other than those two things, I cannot find anything else to complain about.

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  nice powerful car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By blair545 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  this car is great

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  My new car breaks in less than one week - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jasondd - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Honda really need do something to maintain its reputation now. I never expect that my new bought car shut down suddenly on highway due to the charger failure. How could this happen????

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  A solid car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Rick - September 15 - 1:26 am

  I have been looking forward to Honda bringing over this car since its arrival to the rest of the world since 2002. The Fit is Hondas number 1 selling car everywhere else. It is a solid machine that handles very well and has enough low end torque for a Honda to get up and go quickly. There is tons of room as well and an upscale interior. Gas mileage is decent.

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  Sweet ride - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Anthony - September 14 - 2:59 pm

  Its a great car, has great pick up an handling. Was purchased for my daughter about yr an half ago for transportation to school an getting around. Now shes going to college in anot her state soon. Truly a great car

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  Sweet ride - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Anthony - September 14 - 2:59 pm

  Its a great car, has great pick up an handling. Was purchased for my daughter about yr an half ago for transportation to school an getting around. Now shes going to college in anot her state soon. Truly a great car

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  Love this car! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Diane - September 14 - 2:40 pm

  I live in the Northeast, therefore, I will use this car for spring, summer and fall driving. My winter car is a "practical" Accord. The S2000 is my 3rd Honda and I love it! Its sleek and comfortable. Im 54 and its easy to get in and out my tall friends have a difficult time. Ive had the car for 3 weeks and I cant tell you how many people want to race me. I tested out the Miata and there is NO comparison. My golf clubs and an overnight bag fit easily but I would like a compartment in the driver door that closes. You get a lot of car for the money and will be very happy if you buy this car.

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  Reliability Issues - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By CBYC - September 14 - 8:11 am

  When the vehicle was new it had reliably served its main purpose of hauling kids to sports events and carrying family gear while on vacation. A few years ago we started experiencing problems with the operation of the auto sliding doors (bearing required $ replacement), followed by clogged EGR (poor quality of gas contributed), starter, and now transmission. We bought Honda for its reliability but buyer beware of the first model year of an entirely new redesigned vehicle.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Rick Charest - September 14 - 2:06 am

  This is my first touring model and I love it.